Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

Time to start conditioning…

…for the legendary 4-H tack sale at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds on Sunday, March 8th, a mere three weeks away.

If you are planning on attending to shop, be aware that much like an endurance ride, there is a rush from the starting line at 9:00 a.m., and the atmosphere can be quite competitive.

You may want to carry water and some snacks to keep up your energy levels, as well as something to carry your purchases in – your shopping sprint with be nothing compared to themarathon wait to check out with your booty.

This is reputedly the largest tack sale in Western Washington, and no matter how many cashiers they have, there are never enough. The cash only line is the shortest, though – or so I hear. (I have to confess that I have never actually gone to this sale, but I have been regaled with tales by survivors. This year I’m gonna make it. Really. Besides, somebody made off with my whip!)

Of course, you’ll want to check your new tack for correct fit. Since horses are not allowed in at the sale, bring along a good idea of your horse’s size and a ruler or tape to check critical measurements.

You should also check the stitching to make sure it hasn’t rotted – not that anyone would knowingly sell something that wasn’t safe, but they might not have gone over everything with the fine-toothed comb you’ll want to apply.

For more detailed advice on buying used tack, Pat Pehling of the Snohomish County 4-H program contributed an article to the Green Horse on the subject in 2007.

The sale ends at 3:00 p.m., and if you are hunting for something in particular, get there for the opening bell. If you are a more casual shopper or just into the atmosphere, there are sure to be some homely items just crying out for a good home at the end of the day.

The other thing to remember is that you can consign your tack to this sale too. The snowdrops are up in my back yard, so it is officially time for some spring cleaning. Remember when you thought you were going to get into roping… or eventing… or endurance riding… if that was three years ago or more, brush the dust off that saddle and let someone else delude themselves they’ll have the time!

Horse items only, in clean and usable condition, riding clothes and footwear accepted. Bring your items for consignment the Saturday before the sale (the 7th) at the fairgrounds. There will a line for that too, of course, so bring a friend, and plan on picking up any unsold items between 5:30 to 7:00 on Sunday after the sale, or they will become donations. The commission on sales (I think it is 15%) benefits the Snohomish County 4-H Horse Program. I’ll get the specifics before the sale, or if you have a large volume of items to organize and need the information now, you can call 425-308-2815 or email christineelston@comcast.net

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.